1909 Dutchy Melbourne, who was serving a 13-year sentence in the state penitentiary, escaped. He had been convicted of the murder of police Officer Clarence Till, robbery and arson.

1914 Livingston W. Bethel died in Key West at the age of 69. He had served as mayor of Key West from 1877 to 1880. In 1880 he was elected lieutenant governor of Florida as running mate for Gov. W.D. Bloxham. Later he served as a U.S. district attorney and judge.

1955 Calling U.S. 1 between Key West and Miami a "killer highway," a Miami developer called for a super highway to the mainland. The highway would have two lanes from Key West to Marathon and then four lanes to Upper Key Largo and six lanes to Miami.

1962 The FAA constructed overnight a temporary control tower at Key West International Airport. In addition, a large number of military personnel arrived in town over the weekend.